When I first got wind that a new bar was opening in Costa Mesa, I was not that interested. But then I heard that it would have good pub food, cocktails made with fresh ingredients, a pretty extensive whiskey collection as well as small-batch spirits, they had my attention! I anxiously awaited its opening day but today, the wait was over.

The tavern is dimly lit, designed with reclaimed scaffolding planks and brick walls and reclaimed barn wood housed the spirits in the bar. It has a long bar and a small set of bar tables with red tufted leather backing. The walls are decorated with a variety of taxidermy, slightly reminiscent of a hunting lodge. The overall vibe is pretty laid back and casual and would be a place you’d want to go to hang out with your friends.

We ordered kobi beef (their spelling) and chicken mole sausages, although their menu also includes rabbit, wild boar, turkey and a handful of others. The sausage dogs were complex with layer upon layer of flavor. We also ordered a cilantro caprese burger, cabanossi slim Jim bar snack and truffle herb fries.

Kobi Beef Dog

The kobi beef dog was topped with pancetta, giardiniera (Italian pickled vegetables), garlic aioli, tomato chutney and arugula on a toasted bun. The sausage had a good snap when you bit into it.

Chicken Mole Sausage

The chicken mole sausage was both sweet and savory, with creaminess from the garlic aioli and quail egg, the golden beet relish added a bit of acid, and topped with siracha for some heat.

[…] Beach – From the former sous chef of the Playground, Priscilla from Taste of Orange CountyFinally a Neighborhood Bar in the OC – Wild Goose Tavern, Costa Mesa, CA – I guess SNF was there too, maybe they got there later that me.Mi Casa es Su Casa – […]